Microbiological Testing - Healthcare Water Testing

Maintaining microbiologically safe water is critical within healthcare environments, where vulnerable users and complex plumbing systems create higher risks of infection. Hospitals, care homes, dental practices and other clinical facilities must ensure that water used for hand-washing, bathing and medical procedures remains clean and routinely monitored.

Envirochem provides UKAS-accredited microbiological testing and analysis (laboratory No. 1227) for healthcare water systems. Our services are designed to help infection-control teams, estates managers and duty holders verify their water-safety plans are effective and that results meet the standards required under HTM 04-01 and ACoP L8. Integrating routine testing into existing maintenance schedules demonstrates due diligence, supports patient safety, and enables a rapid, evidence-based response to any indication of contamination.

What We Test

Healthcare water testing focuses on detecting microorganisms that pose a risk to patients and staff, particularly those that can cause opportunistic or healthcare-associated infections. Routine monitoring verifies that disinfection, temperature and flushing regimes remain effective across complex and often aged water systems.

Envirochem’s testing services include analysis for key indicator organisms such as:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliform bacteria
Legionella species
Total viable bacterial count (TVC)

Testing is carried out in accordance with ACoP L8 and HSG 274 Part 2, using validated methods within our UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227).

Our Process

We receive water samples from hospitals and healthcare facilities for microbiological analysis in our UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227). Samples are processed using culture-based and membrane-filtration methods suitable for clinical and augmented-care water systems, with strict quality protocols to ensure accuracy and traceability.

Results are reported with clear interpretations, including identification of any exceedances against healthcare guidance and indication of whether follow-up testing may be required. Where appropriate, our team can discuss next steps or clarify technical findings to support your ongoing water-quality management.

When is Healthcare Water Testing Required?

Regular microbiological monitoring is a key component of any Water Safety Plan (WSP) within healthcare and care-based settings. Testing is typically required:

As part of routine monitoring under HTM 04-01
Following installation or modification of water systems
In augmented-care units such as intensive care, neonatal and oncology wards
After disinfection, flushing or system maintenance
When investigating infection incidents or elevated counts in sentinel outlets

Testing frequency varies according to system risk and patient vulnerability, but healthcare premises generally conduct quarterly or monthly testing at sentinel outlets, with additional testing in high-risk areas as defined by the WSP.

Compliance and Risk Considerations

Waterborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella can present serious infection risks in healthcare environments. Inadequate control or delayed response to elevated counts can lead to outbreaks, ward closures and enforcement by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, COSHH Regulations, and the specific requirements of HTM 04-01, duty holders must be able to demonstrate that water systems are maintained, monitored and safe. Routine microbiological testing provides assurance that control measures are effective and highlight where intervention may be required.

Envirochem supports healthcare organisations with testing and interpretation that withstand clinical and regulatory scrutiny. Our consultants help estates and infection-control teams understand their results in context, identify root causes of elevated counts, and implement corrective measures efficiently. This proactive approach safeguards patient health, reduces operational disruption and reinforces compliance with statutory obligations.

Why Choose Envirochem?

Envirochem has over three decades of experience supporting hospitals, care providers and dental practices with precise, compliant microbiological analysis. All work is carried out in our in-house UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227), ensuring full traceability, quality assurance and rapid turnaround times.

Our multidisciplinary team combines microbiologists, chemists and occupational-hygiene specialists who understand the stringent standards of healthcare water management. Our experts are trained to help you interpret results, verify control schemes and document compliance for audit or inspection.

In addition, because Envirochem works across chemical, microbiological and occupational hygiene disciplines, we offer a fully integrated service that supports every aspect of your water-safety strategy. Whether you manage a single care home or a multi-site healthcare estate, our expertise provides the assurance you need to maintain clean, compliant and patient-safe water systems.

Speak to Our Team

If your healthcare or care facility requires microbiological testing to confirm water safety and meet regulatory standards, contact us today. Our laboratory team will ensure you receive accurate, reliable results and clear guidance.